How Much Is Child Benefit?

Child Benefit pays a set weekly amount for your eldest or only child, and a lower weekly amount for each additional child — so a family with three children receives three separate payments, not three times the same rate. Unlike many benefits, there is no cap on how many children you can claim for. The money is usually paid every 4 weeks, though single parents or households receiving certain other benefits can sometimes be paid weekly. This page sets out the current rates, works through a worked example for a family with more than one child, and explains how and when payments arrive.

Current weekly rates

• Eldest or only child: £26.05 per week
• Each additional child: £17.25 per week

Worked example

A family with three children would receive £26.05 for the eldest, plus £17.25 each for the second and third child — a total of £60.55 per week, or around £3,148.60 per year.

How and when it is paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks, on a Monday or Tuesday, directly into a bank account. If you are a single parent, or you or your partner receive certain other benefits, you may be able to request weekly payments instead.

Does the amount ever change?

Rates are reviewed by the government and can change from April each year. Your Child Benefit continues automatically at the new rate — you do not need to reapply when rates change.

There is no limit on the number of children you can claim for.

Does it affect other benefits?

Child Benefit itself is not means-tested and does not reduce Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. However, higher earners may need to pay some or all of it back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge — see our dedicated page on this.